Casco Viejo(Panama Old Town)

Casco Viejo​(Panama Old Town)

A beautiful old town which reminded us about Old San Juan but clearly isn't as big or as stunning as the one in Puerto Rico.Because it's not that big it is easily walkable. There are many beautiful colonial houses and about four very stunning churches. The highlight of the Casco Viejo are clearly the pompous churches.

ShopsOn the little Peninsula southeast, there are some souvenir shops with mostly indigenous Panamanian vendors. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the Old Town.

Dangerous? And ParkingWe read and heard that going in to Casco Viejo is dangerous as it's surrounded by bad neighborhoods. So we left our rental car at home and took an UBER for about 4$, mostly because we didn't know how far the parking is from the police patrolled center. But in my opinion this was unnecessary, if you are lucky you find a parking spot right in the middle of Casco Viejo aside the road. Alternatively there are two big parking lots in Casco Viejo itself.

Don't wander to much WestThe notorious El Chorrillo is bordering the Old Town of Panama on the west. Don't wander off there, even in the day. Most of the beautiful buildings will be to the Oceanside (East) anyway. You will easily recognize if you went to far because the buildings are very dirty and the streets are littered with trash.

Casco Viejo At NightThere are many bars and restaurants in Casco Viejo. The center of Casco Viejo is safe. But especially at night stay to the center (Plaza De La Indepencia) and to the Eastside (Ocean side). I would also avoid the Avenida Demetrio Brid. On this area there are some poor housing blocks as well. And jf you stay in to the night don't park your car there. Or at best take an UBER or Taxi.

RecapA nice little Oldtown, which is easily walkable. Many great churches and a calm walk through the native shops will make for a great afternoon.